KOTA KINABALU: A Malaysian divemaster has been remanded after a foreign tourist alleged that she was molested by the man while diving in waters off Semporna.

The tourist from China claimed that she was molested by the freelance divemaster at about 1pm last Friday, said acting Semporna OCPD Asst Supt Arif Abdul Razak.

The alleged incident went viral on social media when it was shared on Facebook with a screenshot of conversations between the victim and the accused shown, as well as an underwater picture of a woman being kissed by the man.

The picture was taken underwater, with both in diving gear.

In a statement, ASP Arif said the victim lodged a complaint with Semporna police before flying home to China.

He said the freelance divemaster was arrested at 12.50am on Sunday in a house in the water village in the district.

The police, he added, is investigating the case for using criminal force to outrage the modesty of the woman under Section 354 of the Penal Code.

The suspect has been remanded until Thursday.

Sabah Dive Squad Club president Sim Fui urged dive centre operators to hold “refresher” courses for their members on their code of conduct when they deal with clients.

He said it was important for divemasters to remain professional in their jobs.

“Divemasters must not be overly friendly with their clients or students,” he said in a statement in response to the incident.

“Most of our divers are professional, but this incident should never have happened.

“Although we do understand that diving instructors and masters have to be hospitable to their clients, they still have to be professional,” he added.

Sim said that the code of conduct was important for all diving instructors and masters to protect the reputation of the industry and the Malaysian tourism sector.